Does My Head Look Big In This? By Randa Abdel-Fattah

 Does my Head Look Big in This? By Randa Abdel Fattah



  1. Bibliography

Fatton, Randa Abdel. 2008. New York, NY; Scholastic Publishing. ISBN 043992233X


  1. Plot Summary

Amal is a seventeen year old high school student that is learning to navigate the waters of high school, while simultaneously making the decision to wear a hijab full-time to school. With this decision, Amal is subjected to teasing and torment from fellow classmates. Told through the voice of the main character, this story confronts the “true” realities that Muslim women must face on a daily basis. 


  1. Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers)


The cultural markers that are made apparent in this story seed from the root of racism and the treatment that the main character, Amal, received throughout the entire story. The abuse can be seen in many different situations of Amal’s life. Beginning with the teasing she received at her high school, due to the hijab she chose to wear. In fact, the decision to even wear a hijab to school was quite an inner turmoil for Amal. 

Another location that Amal expressed her feelings of uncomfortable and unsettling treatment was on public transport. She states that when she rides the bus wearing her hijab, she is subjected to teasing, jeering, and overall unkind actions of others. 

Through these actions, the reader is only given a snapshot into how Amal, and similar women like her, are treated. The thoughts and feelings expressed by Amal help the reader further understand. However, the reader is unable to fully comprehend the full extent of the racism, without having lived through it. 


  1. Review Excerpts


School Library Journal: "An important and inspiring read for thoughtful teens."


Kirkus Review: "A salve when days are bleak."


Booklist: "This amazing outpouring of strength and honesty offers inspirational personal accounts for every reader who wonders what to do when everything seems impossible."


  1. Connections


Hosseini, Khaled. THE KITE RUNNER. ISBN 9781594631931.


Hosseini, Khaled. A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS. ISBN 159448385X.


Doerr, Anthony. ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE. ISBN 1501173219.

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